MotoGP champion Jorge Lorenzo is not ruling out Honda from the victory fight in the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix despite its troubled pre-season.

The Japanese manufacturer has struggled with the handling of its bike using the new electronics which are mandatory for all teams this year, and admitted it was not fully ready for the first race of the season.

Yamaha rider Lorenzo, however, reckons both Honda and Ducati are likely to be a threat from the start.

"I see Ducati very strong," Lorenzo said in Qatar. "I see a lot of Ducatis in front. One day during testing there were four Ducati in the top six, so that means the bike works.

"And the Honda will get there. Maybe it's even there this weekend already and they fight for victory and win the race.

"I'm sure Marquez will be there. Dani [Pedrosa] appears to be having more problems."

Lorenzo, who starts the year as favourite after a very strong winter, insisted the switch to Michelins has proved beneficial for him.

"With the Michelins, for whatever reason, and without trying harder I have that gap that I couldn't get with the Bridgestones," he added.